Teacher Elsa's Blog

Dear students,
This Saturday the British celebrate one of their traditional dates: Guy Fawkes Day and the Bonfire Night. The tradition comes since the 17th century and it has been celebrated for the last 400 years. Bonfires have burned on November 5th to mark the failed Gunpowder Plot.

The tradition of Guy Fawkes-related bonfires actually began the very same year as the failed coup. The Plot was foiled in the night between the 4th and 5th of November 1605. Already on the 5th, agitated Londoners who knew little more than that their King had been saved, joyfully lit bonfires in thanksgiving. As years progressed, however, the ritual became more elaborate.

Soon, people began placing effigies onto bonfires, and fireworks were added to the celebrations.

Preparations for Bonfire Night celebrations include making a dummy of Guy Fawkes, which is called “the Guy”. Some children even keep up an old tradition of walking in the streets, carrying “the Guy” they have just made, and beg passersby for “a penny for the Guy.” The kids use the money to buy fireworks for the evening festivities.

On the night itself, Guy is placed on top of the bonfire, which is then set alight; and fireworks displays fill the sky.

Find out about this festivity! Click the picture below:

Here’s a CROSSWORD PUZZLE about Guy Fawkes that you can print.

And finally, an Interactive game produced by BBC:

Have fun!!!!!!!! 😉